Footnotes

The Aston Martin 'RHAM/1', known as 'The Muncher', was a highly modified Aston Martin DBS V8 racing car, developed by Robin Hamilton and built with the intention of competing at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race. After development by Hamilton, 'RHAM/1' competed in the 1977 and 1979 Le Mans races, finishing 17th overall and 3rd in the GTP class in the 1977 event. The car has also held the World Land Speed Record for towing a caravan, at the speed of 124.91mph.

Robin Hamilton subsequently built a second Le Mans-styled DBS V8 competition car based on the look of 'RHAM/1' as it had been in 1978. Offered here, that car was assembled for Peter Griggs, who wanted a replica of 'The Muncher'. Chassis number 'DBSV810071R' featured a glassfibre front end and Piper prepared V8 engine, but no turbocharger, while the fuel injection system was replaced by a quartet of Weber 48 IDA downdraft carburettors. The car had some success with Griggs, winning a race at the 1981 AMOC Brands Hatch meeting, even though it was quite heavy. In 1982 the car finished 2nd at Brands Hatch and 4th at an Intermarque race at Silverstone.

In 1987 the car was bought by Richard Williams with the intentions of upgrading it with an experimental 6.3-litre V8 engine and racing it in Intermarque events. However, the Aston was then sold to Marsh Plant Holdings where it was reassembled as 'V8R003' in 1991 and raced on many occasions by John Freeman, Gary Pearson and others in numerous races with great success. It is believed that the car was at least tested by the late, great Gerry Marshall, and may also have been raced by him on occasion.

Between 2007 and 2011, 'DBSV810071R' was stripped to a bare shell and completely rebuilt by Roxwell Racing, with limited running since. Now displacing 6.0 litres, the engine was rebuilt and upgraded and currently produces 570bhp, while other noteworthy features include a new AP triple-plate clutch; new Tex Racing T101A NASCAR-type four-speed dog gearbox; new bespoke prop shaft; overhauled differential; upgraded rear brakes; new AP Racing 6-pot Pro 5000+ front brakes; new driveshafts with competition CV joints; new up-rated rear hub shafts; new bespoke three-way adjustable remote canister shock absorbers; nine new BBS 3-piece split-rim 18" wheels; new lightweight fire system; new custom fuel tank; and new Perspex windows (full specification available on request).

Refinished in the Link Systems livery worn by 'RHAM/1' at Le Mans in 1979, the car was set up and track tested on completion. Highly competitive, it has been driven by Andy Jenkinson and John Young in the Heritage GT Series and AMOC Intermarque series with considerable success, and recently has been campaigned by Andrew Smith and Euan Marshall in AMOC Intermarque and Masters Historic Racing events.

Saleroom notices

Various spares are offered with this lot - the successful buyer is to arrange collection.

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